Chagas disease is a vector-borne parasitic and potentially life-threatening illness caused by the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi. The disease is endemic in South and Central America with 6 to 7 million people estimated to be infected worldwide. Trypanosoma cruzi is mainly transmitted to humans by contact with feces of infected triatomine bugs. Infections can also occur through blood transfusion, organ transplants, congenitally or orally.
 

altona Diagnostics developed the RealStar^® Chagas PCR Kit 1.0 for the qualitative detection of Trypanosoma cruzi specific DNA. The reagent system is based on real-time reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology and contains an Internal Control for reliable diagnostics. First results were represented at ECCMID in April 2017. The RealStar^® Chagas PCR Kit 1.0 will be launched in June as RUO kit version and in Q1 next year as CE kit version.